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Land use changes and their influence in the conservation of plant diversity
within a small Binaba watershed

Article in Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences · January 2019

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES)

ISSN: 2220-6663 (Print) 2222-3045 (Online)
Vol. 14, No. 1, p. 139-150, 2019
http://www.innspub.net

RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Land use changes and their influence in the conservation of

plant diversity within a small Binaba watershed

Roger T. Sarmiento*, Joel A. Mercado

College of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Caraga State University,

Ampayon, Butuan City, Philippines

Article published on January 31, 2019

Key words: Limestone forest, Biodiversity, Watershed resources, Binaba watershed, Riparian buffers.

Abstract
Land uses are one of the prime causes in the loss or fragmentation of natural habitats and their species. In a
small watershed in Agusan del Sur, the diversity of plant species were assessed using standard vegetation
sampling technique developed by Hill (2005) as basis for the formulation of an integrated watershed
management plan to reduce adverse cost of land use change on the remaining biodiversity. Results showed that
the vegetation was composed of about 166 vascular plant species belonging to 134 genera and 64 families having
an overall Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) of 2.546 described to be moderately high. A number of
ecologically sensitive species were encountered in the area such as the critically endangered Shorea palosapis
and Shorea contorta. Relative to its area, the watershed has been subjected to diverse land-uses that directly
affect richness of plant species either native or introduced in the area. Appropriate monitoring and area control
therefore should be taken utmost consideration in the formulation of the management plan.

*Corresponding Author: Roger T. Sarmiento  [email protected]

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

Introduction area. It provides food, fruit, fuel, fodder, forage, small

Fresh water comprises only a small portion of the total timber and many more to the community. This study
water on Earth and is expected to become the most was conducted as a component for the formulation of
limiting resource in the near future (Gleick, 2000; developmental plans for a sustainable integrated
Postel, 1997; Postel et al., 1996). With more people watershed management of the local government unit.
shifting to live in urban areas, expansion of urban areas The main objective of this study is to 1) determine the
changed natural landscapes into agricultural, current composition and species diversity of the
residential, commercial, and industrial land uses. existing terrestrial flora within the proposed Binaba
watershed area, 2) provide information on the
The growing population increased imperviousness of abundance and conservation status of the different
some areas, and urban activities lead to increased vascular plant species and 3) determine the different
runoff, decreased baseflow, reduced ground water existing land uses and their influence in biodiversity
recharge, and water quality reduction (O’ Driscoll et al., levels as part of the baseline information. The study
2010; Chithra et al., 2015). As more and more people aspires that showcasing the richness of species
dwell in urban areas, the demand for clean and potable diversity in this unique watershed will kindle pride
water intensifies, driving too much pressure on our among the people of Prosperidad.
already critical watersheds. Watersheds were used in a
Materials and methods
variety of ways directly affecting streams and water
Description of the Study area
provision. Plantations areas and shifting cultivation
The Binaba watershed was located within Brgy. New
have important environmental impacts that either
Maug and Brgy. Poblacion, in the Municipality of
degrade or improve habitats for wildlife (Lawal, 2014).
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Geographically, it is
Monoculture areas as less diverse expose community to
situated at approximately 08°36’17” to 08°37’50”
adverse consequences of pest and disease, among
North and 125°54’55” to 125°56’23” East (Fig. 1). The
others. As one such impact, these land-uses pose
watershed area is accessible by both land and water.
significant changes to land and water and the overall
Along the national highway, it is about an hour travel
ecological functioning of the watershed.
from the neighboring municipality of San Francisco,
Agusan del Sur or about 2 hours from Butuan City,
Degraded watersheds require immediate rehabilitation
Agusan del Norte. It can also be reached via Gibong
necessary to improve biological and habitat diversity. It
River from the bridge in Brgy. Poblacion using a boat
is essential to increase commercial value for timber
or kayak.
production, increase types and amount of non-timber
products, improve forest functions such as water
storage, water balance, sequestration of carbon, climate
mitigation, and restore soil fertility and physical
properties for protection against erosion (Kobayashi et
al., 2001). Conserving biodiversity in addition, is a key
component to improved environmental performance
and should always be embedded in every management
plans. Sound management plans guarantee sustainable
use of existing forests, thus appropriate knowledge on
the resource is vital.

The biodiversity and the type of vegetative cover, the Fig. 1. Map showing the surveyed area of the

forests in particular are very crucial elements that proposed Binaba Watershed in the Municipality of

influence erosion, runoff and climatic factors of the Prosperidad. (Source: Prosperidad MENRO, 2018).

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

The watershed has an approximate total land area of Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines (a public group of
185 hectares. Based on the recent satellite images and botanist, foresters, biologist and other plant
site reconnaissance, the land use of the watershed enthusiasts) to confirm species identification. The
ecosystem can be classified into the following: a) scientific names and conservation status of species were
grasslands, b) coconut groves, c) secondary growth crosschecked in the databases of The Plant List
forest, d) agroforestry, and e) plantation areas. (www.theplantlist.org) and The IUCN Redlist of
Currently, Binaba Watershed was the primary source Threatened Species 2017 (www.iucnredlist.org),
of potable water utilized by the local water district. respectively. Since no gratuitous permit (GP) was
The focused watershed can be considered unique secured for the study, collection of voucher specimens
compared to other adjacent watersheds since majority for identification was avoided.
of the water discharge emanates from cave springs at
the drainage point and jumps into a small waterfall in Data Analysis
Gibong River. The data was encoded on a spreadsheet and analysed
using the vegetational analysis formula of density,
Vegetation Sampling relative density, frequency, relative frequency,
The sampling procedure used for the study was based dominance, relative dominance and the species
on a belt transect method described by Hill (2005). A importance value (SIV). The SIV was computed as the
total of 10 sample quadrats with dimension 20m x sum of the relative frequency, relative density and
20m were laid out along the transect at varying relative dominance of a species in a community or
intervals of 200 m to 500m depending on the terrain forest (SIV = RFreq + RDom + RDen). An SIV
and density of the prevailing vegetation. A GPS provides a better index than density alone regarding
receiver was used to determine the coordinates of the the importance or function of a species in a habitat
quadrats with the southern left corner used as and also gives rank or order for a particular species
reference. All plants inside quadrat with >5cm dbh within the community (Odum & Barret, 2005).
were measured and recorded. All vascular plants Ecological parameters such as Simpson’s Index of
encountered along the transect line were also Diversity (1-D), Shannon-Wiener (H’) diversity index,
enumerated to make up a near comprehensive list of species richness and evenness on the other hand were
plant species in the watershed. The sampling stations computed using the PAST Statistical Software. To
were pre-selected using maps provided by the determine the levels of biodiversity, the Fernando
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office scale was used.
(MENRO) and geo-referenced in Google Earth
environment. Recent satellite images were also Table 1. Biodiversity Scale (Fernando, 1998).
utilized to analyze land uses and determine areas Relative Shannon's (H') Evenness
Interpretation Index Index
containing vegetative cover.
Very High >3.5 0.75-1.00
High 3.00 - 3.49 0.50-0.74
Moderate 2.50 - 2.99 0.25-0.49
Species Identification and Nomenclature
Low 2.00 - 2.49 0.15-0.24
Identification of species was done on field with the Very Low <1.99 0.05-0.14
help of literatures and taxonomic identification field
Result and discussion
guides. Some publications referring to the Philippine
Existing land use
flora included Merrill (1912), Santos et al. (1986),
The rapid floral assessment of Binaba watershed was
Zamora and Co (1986), Madulid (2002) and online
conducted on May 19-20, 2018 with the assistance of
identification website PhytoImages
personnel from the Municipal Environment and
(www.phytoimages.siu.edu) were also utilized to
Natural Resource Office of the Municipality of
compare photographed species. Some unfamiliar
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
species were posted online thru a social media group

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

The watershed ecosystem can be generally described Farm boundaries were planted with fruit trees such as
as a secondary growth limestone forest based on the Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola), Nangka (Artocarus
prevailing soil and rock formation. As numerous large heterophyla), Durian (Durio zibethinus) and many
limestone boulders and coral rocks were observed in others. The mixture of agricultural plants together with
many parts of the ecosystem, it is believed that the fruit and timber producing trees is called “agroforestry”.
entire watershed ecosystem may have been an
Coconut groves also were sporadically encountered in
underwater ecosystem in the long time ago and have
many parts of the watershed more particularly in flat
surfaced by the combined actions of continental
terrains and adjacent agroforestry areas. The fringes of
movements and other factors. It has as a unique
other vegetative zones are covered with grass-plant
assemblage of vascular and non-vascular flora from
community type with Pakiling (Ficus odorata) wildlings
riparian areas to steep slopes and land surface in
dominating the landscape. Grasslands were observed on
higher grounds. The land use types are generally
categorized into the following: Riparian forest, the different parts of the watershed either in the lowland

agroforestry and open areas, grasslands, and some or upland and lower or higher elevations. Where there

plantation areas. The riparian forest type can be are open areas, grasslands are present. The dominant
found along the length of Gibong River and other species were Cogon (Imperata cylindrica) intermixed
water zones of the watershed. Based on recent with marginal land shrubs such as Niog-niogan (Ficus
satellite images and actual ground surveys, the forest pseudopalma) and Pakiling (F. odorata). Along trails,
forms a buffer from the easement at about 100-150 species composition gradually changed into dense
meters inward and extends its length from the bridge community of fern species called Bayabang (Nephropelis
on the national highway towards the northern portion cordofolia). The harsh environmental conditions of the
of the watershed (Fig. 2). Large trees such as
area appear to favor the survival and growth of sturdy
Pangium edule, Madhuca betis, Acacia mangium,
species.
and other indigenous tree species were observed in
the area. It has an average diameter of 37.1 ± 24.3cm
at breast height and reaching an average of 21.7 ± 6.6
meters in total height.

Fig. 2. Satelite view of the riparian forest buffer of

the Binaba watershed, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Some portions of the watershed were cleared for

agriculture to raise cash crops such as Kamoteng
kahoi (Manihot esculenta), Kamote (Ipomea Fig. 3. Some areas utilized for plantation species in
batatas), Karlang (Colocasia esculenta) and Mani the watershed. Top: Oil palm plantation; Bottom:
(Arachis hypogaea). Falacata plantation

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A major portion of the watershed was cleared and Plantations are monoculture areas raised with a single
planted with plantation species such as Moluccan sau type of species for various management objectives such
(Falcataria moluccana), Big-leaf Mahogany as timber, pulpwood, rubber and palm oil. The main
(Swietenia macrophylla), Yemane (Gmelina arborea) disadvantage of raising plantations species in a
and Para rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), while some was watershed ecosystem is that these stands are usually
utilized for growing African oil palm (Elaeis cleared cut during harvest exposing the ecosystem to
guineensis) as shown in Fig. 3. soil erosion, habitat loss and increased surface run-off.

Table 2. Summary of ecological parameters for flora diversity of the watershed.

Ecological Parameters Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Plot Cumulative
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Species Richness 7 6 10 7 7 5 4 7 17 11 52
Number of Individuals 15 15 14 9 11 18 9 15 26 27 159
Simpson Index of Diversity 0.857 0.838 0.956 0.944 0.909 0.549 0.806 0.829 0.954 0.852 0.913
(1-D)
Shannon-Weiner Index (H') 1.767 1.640 2.243 1.889 1.846 1.051 1.311 1.714 2.682 2.021 2.546
Evenness Index (EH) 0.908 0.915 0.974 0.971 0.949 0.653 0.946 0.881 0.947 0.843 0.644

Floristic diversity of the watershed (8) and then Cocos nucifera and G. arborea with 7
The sampling stations and transect walk revealed a individuals each. In terms of species importance value
diverse composition of vascular plants species. For (SIV), the tree species that ranked among the top ten

this study, a total of 166 species belonging to 134 were as follows: Moluccan sau (F. moluccana) being

genera and 64 families were encountered and the most dominant, followed by Balete (Ficus balete),
and Kapadak (Ficus gigantifolia). Coconut (C.
identified. The dominant families with the most
nucifera), Balakat (Ziziphus talanai) and Yemane (G.
number of species enumerated were Moraceae (16
arborea) followed in the 4th, 5th and 6th ranks. The
species), followed by Euphorbiaceae (10), Fabaceae
rest of the rankings could be found in the Annex B.
(9), Palmae (8) and Myrtaceae (with 7 species) while
The analysis of the different ecological parameters of
for the genera were Ficus (10 species), Syzygium (6)
the watershed is shown in Table 2. The species
and Artocarpus with 4 species. The top ten families
richness ranged from 4 (lowest) to 17 (highest), while
(Fig. 4) and the list of encountered species can be the average for all plots is only 5.2 species,
found in Annex A. interpreted as “low”. The computed Simpson’s
diversity index ranges from 0.549 – 0.956 (Plot 6
being the least and Plot 3 being the highest) with a
composite diversity index of 0.913 for all plots
indicating high species diversity. The same is true
with Shannon-Weiner (H’) index that ranges from
1.051–2.682 (Plot 6 being the least while Plot 9 being
the highest). The watershed may have a composite
diversity index (H’) of 2.546 (moderately high),
however, most of the assessed plots were classified to
Fig. 4. Top ten families with the most number of species be “very low” (7/10 plots).
encountered and identified in the watershed area.
The sampling station 6 has been consistently
The most abundant species recorded in the sampling computed being the least in diversity values for
stations were F. moluccana with 18 individuals Simpson’s and Shannon-Weiner’s indices despite the
followed by Ficus gigantifolia (10), Theobroma cacao high number of individuals in the plot because the

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

plot was established near an ITP plantation area. The average height of all trees inside sampling
About 67% of the plants recorded for the plot is quadrats ranges from 6.6 ± 0.7m to 21.7 ± 6.6m. As
composed only of a single species (F. moluccana) observed, trees in the riparian buffer are much taller

thus diversity is very low. In terms of evenness index than trees on plains and higher grounds. Some large

for the 10 sampling plots, it has a composite value of trees especially along trails were felled and severed as
observed during the survey. The average diameter of
0.644 categorically fall under very high evenness
all trees inside sampling plots is only 17.09 ± 2.25cm.
indicating high similarity in composition of species
Moreover, there is a big difference in the proportion
between plots.
of diameter classes of the trees as shown in Table 3.
About 60% of the trees recorded fall under the
Forest Stand Structure
category small trees while the medium-sized trees
A total of 159 individuals with diameter at breast
account only to 14% whilst large trees are only 2% of
height >5 cm were recorded from the sampling the trees inventoried. The remaining 25% is
stations. This number would account to a species accounted for poles and saplings with DBH <10cm.
density of only 398 trees ha-1 or an average of 16 trees
per 20m x 20m sampling quadrat. This number Table 3. Number of individuals per diameter class.
suggests that the tree stocking of the watershed is Diameter class Diameter range Number of
individuals
very poor and therefore needs immediate
Poles and Saplings <10cm 39
rehabilitation such as reforestation and assisted Small trees 10cm to <30cm 95
natural regeneration. The computed density is very Medium-size trees 30cm to <60cm 22
Larger trees >60cm 3
much lower as compared to the density of the 2-
hectare permanent biodiversity plots in Mt. Makiling Conservation Status and Ecologically Important
at 4,403 trees ha-1 (Malabrigo, 2016) and with the 16- Specie of the 166 identified species, 139 (84% of total)
hectare permanent forest plot in Palanan, Isabela at are found to be indigenous (native) to the Philippines
4,999 trees ha-1 (Co et al., 2006). Fig. 5 presents the of which 19 are classified as endemic or are
classification of species according to growth habit. exclusively found only in the country. Twenty-seven

More than sixty-two percent (62%) of the identified (16% of total) of the enumerated species were
classified as exotic or are introduced in the area either
species were classified as trees and arborescent species,
for rehabilitation, food and timber production, or
16% were accounted as herbaceous species both
ornamental purposes. Among the exotics trees
annuals and perennials, 9% were shrubs, 7% for vines
recorded include A. mangium, F. moluccana, H.
both woody and non-woody, 4% were palms and palm
brasiliensis and S. macrophylla. Other introduced
like species, while the remaining 1% were identified as
and considered invasive plant species that are
ferns and fern allies.
widespread were Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala),
Hagonoy (Chromolaena odorata), Buyo-buyo (Piper
aduncum) and Trumpet tree (Cecropia peltata).

The watershed ecosystem has a number of

ecologically sensitive species categorized as “Critically
Endangered” based on IUCN Redlist of Threatened
Species. In the watershed was encountered the
critically endangered Mayapis (Shorea palosapis) and
White Lauan (Shorea contorta). Vulnerable species
include Ipil (Intsia bijuga), Hamindang (Macaranga
Fig. 5. Classification of species according to growth habit. bicolor), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus),

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

Betis (Madhuca betis) and Balakat (Ziziphus talanai) The information developed in this research can help
among others. The complete list of conservation provide significant knowledge on the dynamics of the
classification can be found on Annex A. plant species in a forest ecosystem subjected into
different anthropological activities such as shifting
General Observations cultivation, fuelwood gathering and timber
Most of the sites based on the established sampling harvesting. This study as well gives critical
stations and transect walks are observed to have been importance for the future research activities in the
subjected to a variety of land use and were dominated area and can be a principal venue for current and
with pioneer or nomadic miscellaneous species. Only planned efforts of the LGU Prosperidad thru its
very few are high premium species except along the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office
riparian forest buffer. There were areas subjected to (MENRO) towards attaining better conservation and
“Kaingin” or upland farms in the watershed area and rehabilitation programs for the production of clean
planted to coconut, fruit trees, and industrial tree and quality water. The information on the ecological
species like Falcata and Big-leaf Mahogany. These status of the biodiversity should be disseminated to
areas generally have lower diversity index compared advocate conservation. It is not enough to protect and
to less disturbed areas (Table 2). Since most of the conserve these habitats but also to manage the
areas were already disturbed, therefore, the landscape so as to protect the habitats and the species
watershed’s present condition is wanting of therein.
immediate improvement/rehabilitation effort.
Acknowledgements
Recommendations and conclusions The authors would like to express gratitude to the Local
Recommendations Government Unit of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur for
1. In vacant lots and kaingin areas, rehabilitation funding this research, Dr. Gerardo O. Kitche for his
species must be indigenous or native species to generous knowledge on biodiversity studies and to Dr.
include premium species that are found thriving in Romell A. Seronay, Chief, Center for Research in
the area. Environmental Management and Eco-Governance of
2. Encourage the farmers to plant fruit trees but not Caraga State University for the publication support.
rubber trees. Acid substances added to latex to
coagulate may find its way to the water bodies References
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3. The rampant hillside farming in several parts of Amarnath A, Anjana NS. 2015. Impacts of
the watershed uses fire to clear the planting area Impervious Surfaces on the Environment.
resulting to denudation and massive soil erosion, International Journal of Engineering Science
thus should be minimized. Invention 4(5), 2319-6726.

Conclusions Co LJ, La Frankie JV, Lagunzad DA, Passion

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Fernando ES, Co LL, Lagunzad, Gruezo DA.
diversity of the watershed with H’ value of 2.546 was
WS, Barcelona JF, Madulid DA, Lapis AB, Texon GI,
classified as moderately high. Though the landscape
Manila AC, Zamora PM. 2008. Threatened plants of
of the watershed is highly fragmented, there are
the Philippines: A preliminary assessment. Asia Life
pockets of vegetation that harbor endemic and
Sciences Suppl 3, 1-52.
endangered species.

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Annexes
A. List of vascular species encountered in the study area.
No. Local Name Scientific Name Family Name IUCN Status
Ferns and fern allies
1 Anotong Cyathea microchlamys Cyatheaceae VU
2 Bayabang Nephrolepis cordofolia Davalliaceae NA
3 Pakpak lawin Asplenium nidus Polypodiaceae NA
Herb and other herbaceous species
1 Karlang Colocasia esculenta Araceae LC
2 Wild fortune plant Dracaena angustifolia Asparagaceae NA
3 Papaya Carica papaya Caricaceae DD
4 Kamaria Artemisia vulgaris Compositae NA
5 Kamote Ipomoea batatas Convolvolaceae NA
6 Tubang-usa Costus speciosus Costaceae NA
7 Kalabasa Cucurbita maxima Cucurbitaceae NA
8 Kamoteng kahoi Manihot esculenta Euphorbiaceae NA
9 Calopo Calopogonium mucunoides Fabaceae NA
10 Mani Arachis hypogaea Fabaceae NA
11 Mani-mani Arachis pintoi Fabaceae NA
12 Hantatamsi Cyrtandra villosissima Gesneriaceae NA
13 Amorseko Andropogon aciculatus Graminae NA
14 Buho Schizostachyum lumampao Graminae NA
15 Cogon Imperata cylindrica Graminae NA
16 Hagonoy Chromolaena odorata* Graminae NA
17 Mais Zea mays Graminae NA
18 Lobster's claw Heliconia humilis Heliconiaceae NA

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 J. Bio. & Env. Sci. 2019

19 Sibuyas Allium cepa Liliaceae NA

20 Saging saba Musa sapientum var. compressa Musaceae NA
21 Philippine ground Spathoglottis tomentosa Orchidaceae NA
orhid
22 Bariu Pandanus copelandii Pandanaceae NA
23 Karagumoi Pandanus simplex Pandanaceae NA
24 Pandan-baging Freycinetia maxima Pandanaceae NA
25 Talong-talungan Solanum torvum Solanaceae NA
26 Lipang-aso Laportea interrupta Urticaceae NA
Palms
1 African oil palm Elaeis guineensis* Palmae LC
2 Balatbat-bilog Licuala grandis* Palmae NA
3 Betel nut Areca catechu Palmae NA
4 Kaong Arenga pinnata Palmae NA
5 Mc Arthur's Palm Ptychosperma macarthurii Palmae NA
6 Niog Cocos nucifera* Palmae NA
7 Pugahan Caryota cumingii Palmae NA
8 Sagisi Heterospathe elata Palmae NA
Shrubs
1 Castor oil plant Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae NA
2 San Francisco Codiaem variegatum Euphorbiaceae NA
3 Tuba-tuba Jathropa curcas Euphorbiaceae NA
4 Flemingia Flemingia macrophylla Fabaceae NA
5 Kakawate Gliricidia sepium* Fabaceae NA
6 Gapas Gossypium hirsutum Malvaceae NA
7 Gumamela Hibiscus rosasinensis* Malvaceae NA
8 Red Lip Syzygium campanulatum Myrtaceae NA
9 Buyo-buyo Piper aduncum Piperaceae NA
10 Arabian coffee Coffea arabica* Rubiaceae NA
11 Kahoi-dalaga Mussaenda philippica Rubiaceae NA
10 Santan Ixora coccinea Rubiaceae NA
12 Limon-cito Triphasia trifolla* Rutaceae NA
13 Sili Capsicum annuum Solanaceae NA
14 Handamay Pipturus arborescens Urticaceae NA
15 Kandi-kandilaan Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Verbenaceae NA
Trees and arborescent species
1 Apali Mangifera longipes Anacardiaceae NA
2 Balinghasai Buchanania arborescens Anacardiaceae NA
3 Mangga Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae DD
4 Mangga paho Mangifera monandra Anacardiaceae NA
5 Guyabano Annona muricata* Annonaceae NA
6 Ilang-ilang Cananga odorata Annonaceae NA
7 Takulau Miliusa vidalii Annonaceae NA
8 Bayag-usa Voacanga globosa Apocynaceae NA
9 Malapapaya Polyscias nodosa Araliaceae NA
10 African Tulip Spathodea campanulata* Bignoniaceae LC
11 Durian Durio zibethinus Bombacaceae NA
12 Kapok Ceiba pentandra* Bombacaceae LC
13 Anonang Cordia dichotoma Boraginaceae NA
14 Antsoan-dilau Senna spectabilis* Caesalpiniaceae NA
15 Ipil Intsia bijuga Caesalpiniaceae VU
16 Mountain agoho Gymnostoma rumphianum Casuarinaceae NA
17 Abuab Lophopetalum toxicum Celastraceae NA
18 Laiusin Kostermanthus heteropetalus Chrysobalanaceae NA
19 Sakat Terminalia nitens Combretaceae VU
20 Talisay Terminalia catappa Combretaceae NA
21 Lima-lima Dioscorea pentaphylla Dioscoreaceae NA
22 Manggasinoro Shorea assamica forma Dipterocarpaceae NA
philippinensis
23 Mayapis Shorea palosapis Dipterocarpaceae CR
24 White lauan Shorea contorta Dipterocarpaceae CR
25 Anislag Securinega flexuosa Euphorbiaceae VU
26 Balanti Homalanthus populneus Euphorbiaceae NA
27 Banato Mallotus philippensis Euphorbiaceae NA
28 Hamindang Macaranga bicolor Euphorbiaceae VU
29 Lagapak Macaranga hispida Euphorbiaceae NA
30 Para rubber Hevea brasiliensis* Euphorbiaceae NA

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31 Falcata Falcataria moluccana* Fabaceae NA

32 Narra prickly Pterocarpus indicus forma echinatus Fabaceae VU
33 Narra smooth Pterocarpus indicus forma indicus Fabaceae VU
34 Ulaian Lithocarpus celebicus Fagaceae NA
35 Pangi Pangium edule Flacourtiaceae NA
36 Binukau Garcinia binucao Guttiferae NA
37 Paguringon Cratoxylum sumatranum Guttiferae NA
38 Buntan Engelhardia rigida Ixonanthaceae NA
39 Avocado Persea americana* Lauraceae NA
40 Marang Litsea perrottetii Lauraceae NA
41 Mindanao Cinnamomum mindanaense Lauraceae NA
cinnamon
42 Tirukan Beilschmiedia glomerata Lauraceae NA
43 Cannonball Couroupita guianensis Lecythidaceae LC
44 Putat Barringtonia racemosa Lecythidaceae NA
45 Toog Petersianthus quadrialatus Lecythidaceae NA
46 Kaliantan Leea philippinensis Leeaceae NA
47 Batitinan Lagerstroemia piriformis Lythraceae NA
48 Aratiles Muntingia calabura Malvaceae NA
49 Cacao Theobroma cacao Malvaceae NA
50 Igyo Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum Meliaceae NA
51 Kangko Aphanamixis polystachya Meliaceae LC
52 Lansones Lansium domesticum Meliaceae NA
53 Large leafed Swietenia macrophylla* Meliaceae VU
Mahogany
54 Santol Sandoricum kaetjape Meliaceae NA
55 Ipil-ipil Leucaena leucocephala* Mimosaceae NA
56 Mangium Acacia mangium* Mimosaceae NA
57 Agus-us Trophis philippinensis Moraceae NA
58 Alangas Ficus heteropoda Moraceae NA
59 Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi Moraceae VU
60 Balete Ficus balete Moraceae NA
61 Gumihan Artocarpus sericicarpus Moraceae NA
62 Hagimit Ficus minahassae Moraceae NA
63 Hauili Ficus septica Moraceae NA
64 Kapadak Ficus gigantifolia Moraceae NA
65 Malatibig Ficus congesta Moraceae NA
66 Marang banguhan Artocarpus odoratissimus Moraceae NA
67 Nangka Artocarpus heterophyllus* Moraceae NA
68 Niog-niogan Ficus pseudopalma Moraceae NA
69 Pakiling Ficus odorata Moraceae NA
70 Tangisang Ficus variegata Moraceae NA
bayawak
71 Tibig Ficus nota Moraceae NA
72 Trumpet tree Cecropia peltata* Moraceae NA
73 Bagotambis Syzygium leytense Myrtaceae NA
74 Bayabas Psidium guajava* Myrtaceae NA
75 Lumboy Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae NA
76 Makopa Syzygium samarangense* Myrtaceae NA
77 Malatambis Syzygium hutchinsonii Myrtaceae NA
78 Sambulawan Syzygium albayense Myrtaceae NA
79 Balimbing Averrhoa carambola* Oxalidaceae NA
80 Kamias Averrhoa bilimbi* Oxalidaceae NA
81 Balakat Ziziphus talanai Rhamnaceae VU
82 Balanigan Gardenia longiflora Rubiaceae NA
83 Lisak Neonauclea bartlingii Rubiaceae NA
84 Wisak Neonauclea kentia Rubiaceae NA
85 Bugauak Evodia confuse Rutaceae NA
86 Pomelo Citrus grandis* Rutaceae NA
87 Malugai Pometia pinnata Sapindaceae NA
88 Rambutan Nephelium ramboutan-ake Sapindaceae NA
89 Betis Madhuca betis Sapotaceae VU
90 Caimito Chrysophyllum cainito* Sapotaceae NA
91 Tagatoi Palaquium foxworthyi Sapotaceae NA
92 Bayok Pterospermum diversifolium Sterculiaceae NA
93 Bitan-ag Kleinhovia hospita Sterculiaceae NA
94 Agosip Symplocos ahernii Symplocaceae NA

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95 Balobo Diplodiscus paniculatus Tiliaceae DD

96 Malaikmo Celtis philippensis Tiliaceae LC
97 Lipang-kalabaw Dendrocnide meyeniana Urticaceae NA
98 Ramie Boehmeria nivea Urticaceae NA
99 Alagau Premna odorata Verbenaceae NA
100 Lagundi Vitex negundo Verbenaceae NA
101 Lingo-lingo Vitex turczaninowii Verbenaceae NA
102 Yemane Gmelina arborea* Verbenaceae NA
Vines and other scandent species
1 Amolong Epipremnum pinnatum Araceae NA
2 Limuran Calamus ornatus Arecaceae NA
3 Burakan Merremia peltate Convolvolaceae NA
4 Ubi Dioscorea alata Dioscoreaceae NA
5 Sampinit Caesalpinia latisiliqua Fabaceae NA
6 Baling-uai Flagellaria indica Flagellariaceae NA
7 Bikal baboi Schizostachyum felsianum Graminae NA
8 Ligtang Anamirta cocculus Menispermaceae NA
9 Buyo Piper betle Piperaceae NA
10 Balloon vine Cardiospermum halicacabum Sapindaceae NA
11 Nitong puti Lygodium ciricinnatum Schizaeaceae NA
*Introduced species in the Philippines.

B. Summary of computed species importance value of plants in sampling stations.

Species Freq Den Dom R Freq R Den R Dom SIV
Falcataria moluccana 0.50 45.00 0.22 6.17 11.32 3.50 20.99
Ficus balete 0.10 2.50 1.13 1.23 0.63 17.60 19.47
Ficus gigantifolia 0.50 25.00 0.19 6.17 6.29 2.97 15.43
Cocos nucifera 0.30 17.50 0.46 3.70 4.40 7.13 15.24
Ziziphus talanai 0.40 17.50 0.28 4.94 4.40 4.36 13.70
Gmelina arborea 0.10 17.50 0.45 1.23 4.40 6.97 12.61
Macaranga bicolor 0.40 12.50 0.27 4.94 3.14 4.22 12.30
Swietenia macrophylla 0.20 10.00 0.47 2.47 2.52 7.25 12.23
Pangium edule 0.20 10.00 0.31 2.47 2.52 4.77 9.75
Intsia bijuga 0.10 2.50 0.50 1.23 0.63 7.82 9.69
Theobroma cacao 0.10 20.00 0.15 1.23 5.03 2.40 8.67
Cananga odorata 0.30 10.00 0.15 3.70 2.52 2.39 8.61
Mallotus philippeninses 0.20 15.00 0.14 2.47 3.77 2.22 8.46
Pterosepermum diversifolium 0.20 5.00 0.27 2.47 1.26 4.19 7.92
Ficus nota 0.20 15.00 0.06 2.47 3.77 0.87 7.11
Polyscias nodosa 0.20 7.50 0.13 2.47 1.89 1.95 6.30
Ficus septica 0.20 10.00 0.08 2.47 2.52 1.24 6.22
Homalanthus populneus 0.20 12.50 0.03 2.47 3.14 0.54 6.15
Annona muricata 0.10 12.50 0.06 1.23 3.14 0.91 5.29
Lansium domesticum 0.10 12.50 0.04 1.23 3.14 0.70 5.08
Heterospathe elata 0.20 7.50 0.04 2.47 1.89 0.69 5.05
Vitex turczaninowii 0.10 5.00 0.14 1.23 1.26 2.20 4.69
Evodia confusa 0.20 7.50 0.01 2.47 1.89 0.13 4.49
Pometia pinnata 0.10 5.00 0.11 1.23 1.26 1.74 4.23
Shorea contorta 0.20 5.00 0.03 2.47 1.26 0.46 4.18
Pandanus copelandii 0.10 7.50 0.04 1.23 1.89 0.59 3.71
Lithocarpus celebicus 0.10 5.00 0.08 1.23 1.26 1.18 3.67
Terminalia nitens 0.10 5.00 0.05 1.23 1.26 0.71 3.20
Engelhardia rigida 0.10 5.00 0.04 1.23 1.26 0.67 3.16
Kleinhovia hospital 0.10 2.50 0.08 1.23 0.63 1.17 3.04
Hevea brasiliensis 0.10 5.00 0.02 1.23 1.26 0.38 2.88
Neonauclea bartlingii 0.10 5.00 0.02 1.23 1.26 0.32 2.82
Madhuca betis 0.10 2.50 0.05 1.23 0.63 0.83 2.69
Arenga pinnata 0.10 2.50 0.05 1.23 0.63 0.83 2.69
Ficus heteropoda 0.10 2.50 0.05 1.23 0.63 0.76 2.63
Cyrtandra villosissima 0.10 5.00 0.01 1.23 1.26 0.11 2.60
Boehmeria nivea 0.10 2.50 0.03 1.23 0.63 0.54 2.40
Artocarpus sericicarpus 0.10 2.50 0.03 1.23 0.63 0.49 2.35
Leucaena leucocephala 0.10 2.50 0.03 1.23 0.63 0.49 2.35
Syzygium cumini 0.10 2.50 0.03 1.23 0.63 0.49 2.35
Lophopetalum toxicum 0.10 2.50 0.02 1.23 0.63 0.24 2.10

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Areca catechu 0.10 2.50 0.01 1.23 0.63 0.21 2.07

Pterocarpus indicus 0.10 2.50 0.01 1.23 0.63 0.18 2.04
Syzygium campanulatum 0.10 2.50 0.01 1.23 0.63 0.18 2.04
Muntingia calabura 0.10 2.50 0.01 1.23 0.63 0.12 1.99
Syzygium samarangense 0.10 2.50 0.01 1.23 0.63 0.08 1.94
Ficus nota 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.06 1.92
Lagerstroemia pyriformis 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.04 1.91
Buchanania arborescens 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.03 1.89
Leea philippinensis 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.03 1.89
Coffea arabica 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.03 1.89
Macaranga hispida 0.10 2.50 0.00 1.23 0.63 0.03 1.89
Totals 8.10 397.50 6.42 100.00 100.00 100.00 300.00

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